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Board approves housekeeping amendment to environmental health regulations; staff says permitting process unchanged
Summary
The board amended Section 110 of the Chatham County environmental health regulations to reflect state organizational changes and clarify septic-system resolutions; staff said permitting procedures for septic tanks will not change for the public.
Chatham County on Aug. 8 approved an amendment to chapter 21 (health, safety and sanitation) updating Section 110 of the county’s environmental health regulations. The amendment updates department names (reflecting state reorganization) and incorporates two Board of Health resolutions related to commercial septic systems and properties in flood-prone areas.
Lauren Baker Newton, environmental health manager with the Chatham County Health Department, told commissioners the changes align the county ordinance with state reorganization that moved functions into the Department of Public Health and add language to avoid conflict between health permitting and engineering where fill is used in conjunction with septic systems.
“There won’t be new regulations… It’s more of a housekeeping,” Baker Newton said, adding that the change makes permitting “a seamless process” and adds enforcement options — a tool for local courts — if voluntary compliance does not resolve violations.
The board approved the amendment by motion and second. Baker Newton said the public should not anticipate any change in day-to-day permitting for septic systems as a result of the amendment.
Ending: The measure passed on voice vote; staff said it would simplify interdepartmental coordination when septic systems intersect with floodplain and fill issues.
